CHESSIE

The incredible true story of the mysterious sea creature who captured hearts and imaginations during the turbulent 1970s 1980s and 1990s In the summer of 1978 residents along the Virginia side of the Potomac River were startled by sightings of a strange creature lurking in the water Eventually dubbed Chessie this elusive sea serpent tantalized reporters and the public alike always slipping away just out of reach In this the first comprehensive history of the Chessie phenomenon Eric A Cheezum takes us on a thrilling journey through the life and times of the famous monster diving beneath the surface to reveal the remarkable events that unfolded over the years as Chessie sightings continued After initially vanishing the creature resurfaced in 1980 then again in 1982 when it was finally captured on video off the coast of Kent Island These sightings thrust Chessie into the national and international spotlight transforming it into a regional celebrity Cheezum uncovers the fascinating connection between Chessie s appearances and the dramatic changes occurring in Chesapeake Bay communities As the bay transitioned from a hub of labor intensive activities to a recreational destination Chessie became a symbol with multilayered meaning Environmentalists seiz